Famous people who battled AIDS

HIV is one of the world's leading infectious killers, claiming more than 25 million lives over the last 30 years.

By Julie Domel, Julie Ruff and Cinde Ramirez

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On April 23, 1984, the Department of Health and Human Services held a press conference to announce that the probable cause of a rare pneumonia that had sickened five Los Angeles gay men had been found — a virus that was eventually called the human immunodeficiency virus, or HIV.

On April 23, 1984, the Department of Health and Human Services held a press conference to announce that the probable cause of a rare pneumonia that had sickened five Los Angeles gay men had been found — a ... more

On April 23, 1984, the Department of Health and Human Services held... Photo-3817826.52743 - Connecticut Post

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Actor Rock Hudson is shown in this 1981 photo. A gaunt-looking Hudson appeared at a news conference with actress Doris Day on July 15, 1985 (it was later revealed that Hudson had AIDS). He died that year.

Actor Rock Hudson is shown in this 1981 photo. A gaunt-looking Hudson appeared at a news conference with actress Doris Day on July 15, 1985 (it was later revealed that Hudson had AIDS). He died that year.

Amanda Blake, who starred in the television show "Gunsmoke," died in 1989.

Amanda Blake, who starred in the television show "Gunsmoke," died in 1989.

Photo: CBS

Amanda Blake, who starred in the television show... Photo-1029471.52743 - Connecticut Post

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Eighteen-year-old Ryan White, shown here in a 1988 file photo, died April 8, 1990, of complications from AIDS. Ryan contracted the disease from a blood-clotting agent used to treat his hemophilia in December, 1984, when he was 13 years old. His battle for acceptance won hearts and better understanding of the disease across the nation. less

Eighteen-year-old Ryan White, shown here in a 1988 file photo, died April 8, 1990, of complications from AIDS. Ryan contracted the disease from a blood-clotting agent used to treat his hemophilia in December, ... more

Choreographer Martha Graham, center, appears with singer-actress Liza Minnelli, left, and fashion designer Halston during a news conference at the Metropolitan Opera House at New York's Lincoln Center, Wednesday, Feb. 27, 1980. Halston died in 1990 from an AIDS-related cancer. less

Choreographer Martha Graham, center, appears with singer-actress Liza Minnelli, left, and fashion designer Halston during a news conference at the Metropolitan Opera House at New York's Lincoln Center, ... more

In this October 1986 file photo, artist Keith Haring stands in front of part of the Berlin Wall that he painted with a crawling baby in Berlin. The Berlin Wall came down in late 1989. Haring died of AIDS Feb. 16, 1990, at age 31. less

In this October 1986 file photo, artist Keith Haring stands in front of part of the Berlin Wall that he painted with a crawling baby in Berlin. The Berlin Wall came down in late 1989. Haring died of AIDS Feb. ... more

Author Isaac Asimov autographs books at the Mysterious Book Store stall on Feb. 2, 1984, during the Fifth Avenue Book Fair held in New York City. The science fiction writer contracted HIV from a blood transfusion received during a bypass operation and died in 1992. less

Author Isaac Asimov autographs books at the Mysterious Book Store stall on Feb. 2, 1984, during the Fifth Avenue Book Fair held in New York City. The science fiction writer contracted HIV from a blood ... more

Robert Reed (far right), who played Mike Brady on "The Brady Bunch," died in 1992 from cancer and complications from HIV.

Robert Reed (far right), who played Mike Brady on "The Brady Bunch," died in 1992 from cancer and complications from HIV.

Photo: FILE PHOTO

Robert Reed (far right), who played Mike Brady on "The Brady... Photo-3768998.52743 - Connecticut Post

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Arthur Ashe holds up his trophy after winning the men's singles finals against Jimmy Connors during the Wimbledon Championship in 1975. Ashe was the first black man to win one of tennis' Grand Slam tournaments. Ashe, a Tennis Hall-of-Famer and human rights advocate, died in New York at age 49 on February 6, 1993. less

Arthur Ashe holds up his trophy after winning the men's singles finals against Jimmy Connors during the Wimbledon Championship in 1975. Ashe was the first black man to win one of tennis' Grand Slam tournaments. ... more

Celebrated dancer Rudolf Nureyev died in 1993 at the age of 54. Photo-3768971.52743 - Connecticut Post

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U.S. actor Paul Michael Glaser (left) and his wife Elizabeth testify in Washington before the House Budget Committee's Task Force on Pediatric AIDS in 1990. Elizabeth Glaser, who co-founded the Pediatric AIDS Foundation, contracted AIDS from a 1981 blood transfusion and died in 1994. less

U.S. actor Paul Michael Glaser (left) and his wife Elizabeth testify in Washington before the House Budget Committee's Task Force on Pediatric AIDS in 1990. Elizabeth Glaser, who co-founded the Pediatric AIDS ... more

Fela Anikulapo Kuti is seen during a concert in Paris in 1986. Fela, a Nigerian musician and political agitator, fascinated millions and had fans around the world, including legends like Paul McCartney and Stevie Wonder. He died in 1997 of complications from AIDS. less

Fela Anikulapo Kuti is seen during a concert in Paris in 1986. Fela, a Nigerian musician and political agitator, fascinated millions and had fans around the world, including legends like Paul McCartney and ... more

Photo: LAURENT REBOURS, AP

Fela Anikulapo Kuti is seen during a concert in Paris in 1986.... Photo-3769027.52743 - Connecticut Post